Founded in December, 2011 to build trust between Bainbridge Islanders and their police department by involving local residents in policing decisions. Closed in May, 2015. ICP held events, published information, and made recommendations to promote a collaborative relationship between islanders and police officers. It also sponsored a mental health working group that worked with first responders on mental health issues.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Survey Results Are In

The results of our policing survey
were released today and community sentiment is unfavorable: less than a quarter
of respondents have a positive impression of the Police Department and less
than a fifth (18%) think officers are using their time appropriately. 69% of respondents do not trust the Department,
either as a whole (48%) because of leadership (18%), or because of officers
(3%). When asked what the most significant policing problem is on the Island, the
most chosen answer was “problems with Department leadership.” Over half of
respondents think the Department has gotten worse in recent years.

Despite these critical responses, respondents do not want to
outsource police services. When asked if the Island should maintain its own
department, or outsource services to the County, over half (51%) favor
retention. 30% would like to contract out to Kitsap, and 19% have no opinion.

A few cautionary notes. This was not a scientific survey, but rather an attempt to get some sense of community sentiment. This gives us a clue of how the community views local policing, but does not represent a "final word." We hope it's the catalyst for more questions--and more BIPD collaboration.

About Us

ICP was a nonprofit community organization in operation from December 2011-May 2015. It was governed by a four member board: Kent Bridwell (president), Kim Hendrickson (secretary), Scott Anderson, and Dennis Tierney.
ICP's founder, Kim Hendrickson, is the former secretary/chief examiner of the city civil service commission. She frequently teaches political science classes at Olympic College (Poulsbo). Email her at contactcollpol@gmail.com